Open AccessAbsence of ZnuABC‐mediated zinc uptake affects virulence‐associated phenotypes of uropathogenic Escherichia coli CFT073 under Zn(II)‐depleted conditions
Author(s) -
Gunasekera Thusitha S.,
Herre Andrew H.,
Crowder Michael W.
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
fems microbiology letters
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.899
H-Index - 151
eISSN - 1574-6968
pISSN - 0378-1097
DOI - 10.1111/j.1574-6968.2009.01762.x
Subject(s) - virulence , escherichia coli , mutant , biofilm , microbiology and biotechnology , zinc , chemistry , motility , phenotype , mutation , biology , gene , bacteria , biochemistry , genetics , organic chemistry
In an effort to uncover the role of the high‐affinity Zn(II) uptake system in uropathogenic Escherichia coli CFT073, we deleted the znuB gene, which encodes for the transmembrane component of the ZnuABC transporter system. The null mutant for znuB did not grow on minimal medium unless supplemented with excess Zn(II) (50 μM ZnCl 2 ). In contrast, the E. coli K‐12 Δ znuB cell line grew well on minimal medium that was not supplemented with Zn(II). The Δ znuB mutant was significantly deficient in the formation of biofilm under static conditions and also showed a substantially reduced migration front of swarm cells. Because motility and biofilm formation are important for E. coli CFT073 pathogenicity, we propose that the high‐affinity Zn(II) uptake system may contribute to the virulence of this pathogen in the urinary tract.